Reminder: The Indianapolis Colts had the first overall pick in the 2012 draft. Granted, this was no ordinary No. 1, but that this team made the playoffs out of that position is impressive (and maddening to a certain Browns fan related to this podcast). A whole new regime and coaching staff has infused young talent and fresh energy, and the sky suddenly appears to be the limit. Ryan Burns and Sen Sogah welcome old friend Nate Dunlevy to break down the Colts 2013 season and give us a glimpse into the future. It could get fascinating. Better GET YOUR HELMET ON!!!

Last week we went out West. This week, we’re going way down South for the Dirty Dirty Edition of the FOOTBALL SICKNESS PODCAST. FootballSickness.com’s Ryan Burns and Sen Sogah get in depth on the AFC and NFC South divisions, hitting all the big stories. From the quarterback battle in Tennessee, to the commencement of the Andrew Luck era in Indy; from the Saints circus and potential Atlanta offense explosion to the re-build in Tampa…it’s all in there, plus much, much more. We’ll pick the division winners and oh, and there’s a chance we mention a certain former Miami Dolphins wideout. So GET YOUR HELMET ON and have a listen.

At last, our long national winter is over. FOOTBALL IS BACK! NFL training camps opened up in 32 American cities this week, and provided story after story worth batting around on the FOOTBALL SICKNESS PODCAST. FootballSickness.com’s Ryan Burns and Sen Sogah know you’re depending on them to break it all down for you, and they won’t let you down. They talk about big stories around the NFL, introduce new nominees for the HALL of SICKNESS, drop some fantasy tidbits, and even cover some quality college football items. The SICKNESS PODCAST reverts to its natural weekly state from here on out, and the camp-opening edition has a little extra goodness for you. The only thing left to do is to GET YOUR HELMET ON!!!

Few utterly meaningless exercises engender more amusement, hysteria and rage than the mock NFL draft. Everyone has their concrete ideas of what will happen, they study their brains out, deciphering proper slotting according to how they view a particular prospect, team need and/or evaluation method, and finding just the right fit at each spot…and then it all goes completely to hell at pick 3. Seriously, nobody knows anything beyond the first couple of picks. In part, this is because at this time of year in the NFL, misinformation is king, and we’re all having ungodly amounts of smoke blown up our collective wazoo. Even those guys with the flawless hair on TV don’t have great success picking who will go where. And don’t even get me started on trying to predict trades. Remember how Shanahan and the Redskins were going to move up for or select one of the many first-round-ready quarterbacks in last year’s draft? Yeah. They took Ryan Kerrigan at 16. Meanwhile, my mock at the top is way too similar to many others, meaning there’s no chance it happens this way because we all fell for the smoke. Got it? Good.

For this Sickness 2012 Mock, there will be a couple of simple ground rules. First: no trades. I’ll mention where appropriate when I think trades are likely or at least more plausible, but that’s it. I’m not trying to go insane attempting to predict the whims of NFL executives. I’m guessing strictly based on my wholly amateur opinion of (1) prospect value and (2) team need and/or history. Second, I try and take into account what a team’s schemes are, and not just throw guys to a team because they need someone at a given position. There’s no point mocking a 3-4 OLB to the Eagles, for example. Different teams are looking for different things, and while I don’t pretend to understand every minute detail of most teams’ philosophies, just know that some marginal thought has gone into the thing. Third, I’m making the traditional guesswork prediction, and then telling you what I would do were I in charge of each team. Full disclosure: I’m not even pretending I have any idea what most of them actually will do. Lastly: we’re here to have fun. I know some of these make no sense. Have you tried this nonsense?!? Mock me all you wish. My skin is thick and my helmet is on!

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1. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Guesswork Prediction- Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford). Throw me in with the lot who consider him the most complete, non-speculative, outstanding prospect since John Elway. Luck provides a decision-maker with the comfort of knowing his pre-snap read, adjustment and anticipatory skills have already been tested at an NFL level. A superior athlete in his own right, Luck has the stature to hang in the pocket and shed sacks and the ability to make huge plays outside the pocket and running with the football. The Colts go from one once-in-a-generation QB to the next. They’ve already told us so.

If I Were GM: Luck.

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2. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor). Another foregone QB conclusion, and easily the story to watch going forward in the NFL for 2012. If he becomes what the Redskins obviously expect him to given the haul they gave up to get him, he will be a transformative figure in NFL history. Kick your feet up. Watch. Enjoy. Unless you’re a defensive coordinator. In which case, ready thyself. Watch that zone boot. Watch the play-action off the stretch look. Good luck.

If I Were GM: RGIII. (Technically, since I’m a Browns fan, maybe I’d take Matt Kalil here and let Grif fall to 4. Heh. (Damn it.))

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3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Matt Kalil, OT (USC).Rumors of trade possibilities are heating up in all corners as of this writing, and nothing would surprise me. The Rams originally held the keys to the draft, but have long since removed that suspense by making the Griffin trade weeks before the draft. As a result, the Vikes have their choice of a franchise left tackle or an elite corner. As it so happens, they are in desperate need of both in this new passing NFL, and either would be a perfectly reasonable choice. But Kalil not only carries additional premium because he protects the QB’s blind side and has NFL bloodlines, he’s generally considered the superior prospect. This shouldn’t be a tough card for the purple to turn in, but if they don’t take Kalil, heads’ up…because the draft is about to get really interesting.

If I Were GM: Kalil. (Sickness First Commandment: Protect Thy Quarterback.)

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4. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama). I go back and forth daily between Richardson, Justin Blackmon and Morris Claiborne, each of whom I think would be an excellent fit. But ultimately, the Browns need to do two things if they are to live with Colt McCoy for even one more season (as it appears that they might). First, they must shorten the game. Second, they must score more touchdowns. Richardson will help with both. And while I’m not arguing about the general devaluation of the RB position (See the fine piece here by Shawn Siegele), I think exceptions to most rules exist, and Richardson is one to that “rule.” (Many call this stupid. I call it betting against the house. Again, if I can get LeSean McCoy or Ray Rice production at #4…am I bumming that hard?) If Richardson isn’t there, I would guess a trade down or Blackmon.

If I Were GM: Richardson.

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5. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU). In this scenario the Bucs end up with the draft’s top corner and a potential top-flight starter at a key position (especially in a division inhabited by Drew Brees, Matthew Ryan, Cam Newton and friends). They might be interested in Justin Blackmon, but in my view Claiborne is the better prospect. He plays one of the premium positions, and he’s ready to step in and do the job for which he’ll be drafted on day 1. There’s one other reason: the Bucs have gotten far too old and too non-law-abiding in recent years. This will help re-set the course of the Bucs’ ship.

If I Were GM: Claiborne.

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6. ST. LOUIS RAMS: Fletcher Cox, DT (Miss. St.). A lot of noise about this one, which makes me wonder. But Cox is a heck of a talent. And I do seem to recall Fisher having outstanding defensive lines in Tennessee.

If I Were GM: Justin Blackmon. I’d be thinking about trading up to 3 for Kalil, because Sam Bradford ain’t making that new-CBA, slotted rookie money. No, sir. I’ve got big cash in Sammy B, I’m committed to him, and I need to make damn sure I keep division foes like the San Francisco Smiths, the New Orleans…well…y’know…and the sometimes dominant Seahawk front four off his ass. If Kalil is here (and there is a chance), I’d pull that trigger. Otherwise, I’m equipping him with my favorite of the top receivers.

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7. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina). The Jags seem like as good a bet for a trade as any team in the top 10, so let’s get that out there. Maybe the Jets come up for a Melvin Ingram, or someone else antsy for a corner or offensive tackle. But here, they’re stuck. Wideout is certainly a major need, so Blackmon and Floyd would have to be on the radar. But I still think those corners and pass rushers get pushed up the board, and the Jags could use one of each. Alfie Crow and Peter King beat me to the Stephon Gilmore call (and undoubtedly with infinitely more actual information at hand), but I feel no need to be original here.

If I Were GM: Melvin Ingram. I’m just a believer and think he fits anywhere. I’m probably crazy.

If I Were GM: Probably Tannehill. But I’d be nervous as hell. Blackmon and Floyd would be my other options.

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9. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Quentin Coples, DE/DT (North Carolina). Like I said, these guys get pushed up the board. Butch Davis may be known for a lot of things, but let’s not forget that one of them is coaching up quality D-Linemen, and knowing talent at these positions. Coples has plenty. Questions about his motor and tendency to play too upright are totally valid, but so are observations of his considerable ability. Freakishly athletic and versatile enough to play inside or out, someone is going to find Coples well worth the gamble sooner rather than later.

If I Were GM: Michael Floyd. Cam is a special passer, and I like Brandon LaFell a lot. But I also know that Steve Smith can’t play forever and Floyd has dominant potential. I’d take him…then I’d go defense the rest of the draft.

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10. BUFFALO BILLS: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma St.) First, a note: I could see the Bills trading up for someone like Kalil or taking Tannehill if he fell this far. But since I’m not predicting trades…Blackmon would be fantastic opposite Stevie Johnson. Ryan Fitzpatrick would know exactly how to work the ball to Blackmon and to utilize the Oklahoma State star’s Dr. Octopus-like catch radius and aggression for the football. He’s also a nightmare in the open field and often takes more than one small man to bring down. Most mocks have him going higher, and with good reason. But I think there’s a chance he falls with a perception that he is not quite the elite athlete that, say, AJ Green and Julio Jones were a year ago (they went 4 and 6, respectively).

If I Were GM: Again. Melvin Ingram. He’d look nice behind that devastating D-line they’re building. Or book-ending it on certain downs.

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11. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: David DeCastro, G (Stanford). I had Dontari Poe in here, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. He doesn’t dominate on tape despite his fantastic measurables and combine workout. Plus, DeCastro is a surefire decade-long starter on the interior line and will help grind out yards with Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis pounding through the holes.

13. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Reily Reiff, OT (Iowa). The Cardinals have to protect whomever their quarterback will be, this year and in the future.

IF I Were GM: Floyd. I’m in the minority, but I don’t see Reiff as a surefire left tackle, and would have a tough time taking him here as a result. And Fitz desperately wants Floyd. This would fit.

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14. DALLAS COWBOYS:Mark Barron, S (Alabama). All the consensus picks, like the Cowboys taking a defensive back here, make me uncomfortable. It’s just too easy. But they do need ‘em. Badly. Of course, Adam Schefter guaranteed on Wednesday that Barron won’t make it to this slot, so…

If I Were GM: Dre Kirkpatrick. It’s simple. He’s Sabanized and corners are more important to me.

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15. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU): Sen Dog assures me the Eagles’ biggest issue is up front on defense and that he’d be enthralled with the addition of the big DL from LSU. Good enough for me.

If I Were GM: Luke Keuchly. They desperately need the upgrade. Of course, it’s at least 50/50 he’s gone before this pick.

Will these guys go nuts?

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16. NEW YORK JETS: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama): Smoke, noise, rumors, innuendo…and none of it about Tebow or feet in general. One well-placed rumor had the Jets interested in trading way up for Trent Richardson. I have a real hard time seeing that, but I don’t have a hard time seeing the Jets moving around. GM Mike Tannenbaum has made that a regular practice, and I half expect him to be selecting 8 or 10 spots earlier here. But Upshaw would fit beautifully into Rex’s 3-4 and is a quality thumper.

If I Were GM: Upshaw or Dontari Poe. Poe’s got questions, but Rex has a way with those guys and there aren’t many of “those guys” on the planet.

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17. CINCINNATI BENGALS (FROM OAK):Luke Keuchly, LB (Boston College). As I mentioned above, I think in real life he’s gone by here. I just don’t know to whom, and in this particular scenario, he’s still sitting here for the Bengals to pluck up. Marvin Lewis was quoted just this week as saying they’ve “neglected the defense.” Let’s go ahead and assume that gets rectified in the first round.

If I Were GM: I’d go with Kirkpatrick first, but they get him anyway here and I can’t in good conscience just keep letting Keuchly fall. This is madness.

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18. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Cordy Glenn, OL (Georgia). The Bolts have been devastated up front with injuries and surprise retirements. Glenn is a big, athletic, versatile plug-and-play guy.

19. CHICAGO BEARS: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame). They’d be beyond lucky to get him here and to pair him with Brandon Marshall. Jay Cutler is an immensely talented quarterback who, in my view, started to make the leap into the upper echelon with outstanding play throughout 2011. Add another monster weapon and start doing some real damage to the rest of the NFC North.

If I Were GM: Floyd or Reiff.

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20. TENNESSEE TITANS: Nick Perry, DE (USC). Still raw, but a rare athlete at a premium position with a nose for the QB and the power to bring him down when he gets there.

If I Were GM: In all honesty? Janoris Jenkins. Huge risk. But it’s #20, not #2.

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21. CINCINNATI BENGALS:Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama). I’ll be stunned if the Bengals don’t come out of the first round with a new corner one way or another.

If I Were GM: Kendall Wright. Put him opposite AJ Green and watch the points roll in.

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22. CLEVELAND BROWNS (FROM ATL): Reuben Randle, WR (LSU). It’ll be interesting to see whether they like Brandon Weeden enough to take him this early despite his advanced age (and if they take Blackmon at No. 4, they might just do that), or whether they look to a less obvious position like rush end. But I think it’s probably a wide receiver or a new right tackle. Several popular choices exist for the wideout spot. I think Reuben Randle makes a ton of sense here, and I hear they’ve got this batch of WR’s all pretty closely ranked.

If I Were GM: Randle. I’d be highly tempted to take Janoris Jenkins, but my team is still too young and developing. I’m a big believer in Reuben Randle.

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23. DETROIT LIONS: Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois). Lead the nation in sacks, and would have a good chance at early production with guys like Suh, Fairley and Avril eating up blocks. Can learn on the job with the depth currently in place. And the Schwartz wants to destroy QB’s. All makes good sense to me.

If I Were GM: Tough call for me. Since I don’t trust their RB’s to stay healthy? I might look at a quality all-around back like Doug Martin of Boise St. here.

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24. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Kevin Zeitler, OG (Wisconsin). I have to think Ben is tired of getting demolished back there, and you know with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley in town they’re going to show a renewed commitment to Steeler football and the effective running of the football. Zeitler is a quality player that addresses both of these issues, shoring up the interior of that offensive line.

If I Were GM: Dont’a Hightower. Just seems like a Steeler to me.

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25. DENVER BRONCOS: Devon Still, DT (Penn St.) Or maybe Dontari Poe. Or even a running back. But the Broncos must help the middle of that defensive line. I tore them up for not taking Dareus last year (though Von Miller was clearly an outstanding choice), and would do so again if they fail to address what I think is their biggest need.

If I Were GM: Still.

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26. HOUSTON TEXANS: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor). There seems to be a decent amount of disagreement as to what echelon of player Wright is, but he’s a first-rounder in my book. Couldn’t care less about his timed speed, as the tape shows me he knows how to use whatever he’s got to manipulate and destroy db’s. Tough to square up after the catch, a fine route-runner, and sure-handed. Would fit nicely opposite Andre Johnson and give the Texans that #2 that they’ve been looking for for so long.

If I Were GM: Wright or Poe.

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McClellin keeps rising.

27. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (FROM N.O.): Chandler Jones, DE (Syracuse). Leaning on my man Rummy, here, and I like Jones a good bit. The Patriots are impossible to predict. I certainly didn’t have them targeting those two rookie RB’s last year. And I fully expect them to trade at least one of these late first rounders.

If I Were Gm: I’d just defer to Belichick. Heh.

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28. GREEN BAY PACKERS: Shea McClellin, DE/OLB (Boise St.) Long before he became fashionable with well-known and outstanding draftniks like Greg Cosell, my man Brendan Leister was going crazy telling me how good this guy was. The more Boise video I watched, the more I could see why. Explosive, fantastic get-off, and one of those tough, fundamentally sound Broncos studs. Someone will be exceptionally pleased to get him, and he’d be an insanely good fit opposite Clay Matthews III.

If I Were GM: I’m a Browns fan. I’d let the Ravens’ pick expire. (Nope. Still not over it.)

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30. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford). Yes, they have Vernon Davis, and he’s a monster. But perhaps youv’e noticed a team or two looking to run multiple TE threats out there? Plus we’ve got the Harbaugh connection. If Kendall Wright were still available, I’d have done that.

If I Were GM: I might gamble on Stephen Hill of Georgia Tech here. Crazy fast and appears to have every tool in the box. Just didn’t get enough run in that triple option at GT to know for sure.

32. NEW YORK GIANTS: Bobbie Massie, OT (Mississippi State). I think the Giants are going to be pleased with just about anything that falls into their lap at 32, and Massie is a big stud OL with major upside. They can take their time and develop him, possibly into the LT of their future.

If I Were GM: Lamar Miller. A fun, luxurious replacement for the Tiptoe Bandit and a fine complement to/insurance for Ahmad Bradshaw. I doubt they’d do it, though.

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Post Script: Thank the Gridiron Gods this is over for another year. The Mock Draft is exhausting and infuriating. Enjoy your draft weekend, everyone!

The NFL Draft Sickness season continues with another special episode featuring one of the top draft writers around, Mr. Matt Miller of Bleacher Report. Matt joins us to talk in depth about the draft, who should and shouldn’t go where, who should stay home (looking at you, Kellen Moore), and gives us a taste of what real scouting life is like. We’re hitting the draft and hitting it hard, so…GET YOUR HELMET ON!!

So. How many of you spent last weekend watching college-aged men doing speed, agility and explosiveness drills for hours on end? Yeah, us too. Let’s discuss. FootballSickness.com’s Ryan Burns and Sen Sogah review all the highs and lows of the NFL’s official offseason meat market, bat around the likely RGIII scenarios, look at the end of an era in Pittsburgh, and do a little free agency overview. It is the offseason but we’re between the lines, so GET YOUR HELMET ON!

TENNESSEE TITANS (9-7): This is a better record than I expected, and the bonus is they don’t really have to pull the Jake Locker trigger yet. There were plenty of question marks, they lost both their best pass-catching threat and their sack leader from a season ago, had a rookie head coach…things could have gone much, much worse. Kudos to Mike Munchak and his staff.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8): 8-8 makes sense but how they got there hardly seems to. Would’ve thought Kevin Kolb would make more of a contribution. Or a difference.

CHICAGO BEARS (8-8): Reiterating my only point about the Bears for the past two years: protect thy quarterback.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (8-8): (Exasperated look. Raps fingers on desk.) Well? What are you waiting for?

OAKLAND RAIDERS (8-8): That was certainly interesting. And I suppose in light of what someone may pay for Andrew Luck or RGIII, the two #1′s Oakland gave up for Carson Palmer might look reasonable. But, damn. How was there no better succession plan than simply, “let the head coach handle it?” The whole season befuddled me. I have no idea what to expect. Other than Darren McFadden’s annual injury, of course.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-8): Finished strong, and I don’t think a single NFC playoff team didn’t sigh in relief when they were eliminated. They’ll be back. As will Andy.

Back to the drawing board for the Sanchize.

NEW YORK JETS (8-8): It seems most have given up on the Sanchize by now. Not I. His OL had him beaten to a pulp much of the year, the run game and defense were both sporadic, and his best receiver was apparently quitting on him. Consistency and decision-making must improve significantly in 2012. Perhaps a new offensive coordinator will clean things up? Rumors abound of Brian Schottenheimer’s demise. Better not ignore that defense in the draft, either.

DALLAS COWBOYS (8-8): Where to begin? Well, if it’s me, I’d begin in the secondary. Romo is fine. Yes, he scares me every time. But he’s fine, and it’s not as though better guys grow on trees, now is it? I believe Jerry’s votes of confidence in both Romo and Coach Garrett are sincere. But I believe the Garrett one is probably limited to 2012.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (7-9): The highlight of my season may have been the HawkBlogger doing legit major sports radio and taking phone calls this past December. Meanwhile, Tavaris Jackson didn’t kill them and there was a ton to like about the defense. This is a team I’m watching closely this offseason. Time to strike.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (7-9): I can understand the Romeo Crennel affection, and I keep hearing about Scott Pioli wanting to re-create a Patriots-ish staff with former New England assistants. You know, because nobody’s tried that yet.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-10): Another team that should be fascinating to watch over the free agency, new coach and draft seasons. I don’t think I’d blow it all up. Maybe just me.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-10): What a difference a quarterback makes. Now get him somebody across from Steve Smith and make people pick their poison.

BUFFALO BILLS (6-10): Nice start, rough finish. Plenty to learn and grow from. But at least CJ Spiller looks like the real deal. Depth was a problem. Must draft well.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS (5-11): Sooner or later, this dude is gonna make a move fror a quarterback.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (5-11): Evidently, Maurice Jones-Drew is not quite finished. Huge congratulations to a fellow Bruin on his monster, rushing title-winning year. Let’s ask him about the quarterback situation!

Damn it.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-12): As it turns out, there is such a thing as being too youngry.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-13): I sincerely hope you’re happy, Brad Childress and Leslie Frazier. THAT is why you should’ve been giving the ball to Adrian Peterson as much as possible. Because those things happen, and now you’ve likely wasted his optimum window with your horse*&$# playcalling and babying of one of the greatest monsters to ever tote a pigskin. And yes, he was on my fantasy team. But the point stands.

ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-14): See: Bears, Chicago. Oh, and try not to put four states worth of cornerbacks on IR next year. Thanks.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-14): You’ve got a once-in-a-generation quarterback prospect coming out of Stanford, and he’s all yours. Try not to screw it up this time.

Is a new Bay Area reign setting in? The Raiders and Niners both had impressive victories against playoff contenders, serving notice to the rest of the league that they intend to be dealt with. Some preseason favorites are in danger of folding early, and as usual a number of surprise teams sit near the top of the standings. It’s why we keep on watching so feverishly. That’s the Sickness. And this week’s review is titled for a man who had the Sickness something fierce. As a native southern Californian who grew up in the 80′s, I’ll remember Mr. Davis (as even some Oakland fans who never met him refer to him) for a lot of things, but the biggest one is this: the man loved football. He loved business and competition (litigation?) too, but he was always a football guy first. That’s what I liked about him. Rest in peace, Al.

Mr. Davis was no doubt smiling on Sunday.

OAKLAND RAIDERS 25, HOUSTON TEXANS 20: Three simple words: Just Win, Baby! Al Davis would no doubt be proud of his boys for finding a way to do just that on an emotional Sunday that found even me donning silver and black for the day. The Raiders forced Matt Schaub to drop back 51 times, as the Texans missed the game-plan advantage that is Andre Johnson. This Oakland team is for real, make no mistake about it. They didn’t unleash Darren McFadden with any devastation. They won with good tough defense, a balanced attack, and the leg of Sebastian Janikowski. Mr. Davis’ first round kicker made three field goals of 50 yards or better on the afternoon as the Raiders picked off a big AFC road win. Another Al headscratcher, Darius Heyward-Bey, hit for 99 yards on the day. Meanwhile, the hits just keep on coming for Houston, who may have lost Super Mario Williams for a significant period to a torn pec.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 48, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 3: Let’s all welcome the Niners back to official relevance, shall we? To say I’m impressed would massively understate the matter. They threw and landed early haymakers and then just pummeled the Bucs into submission. San Francisco dominated from start to finish, out-rushing a normally physical and run-heavy Tampa squad 213 yards to 86 (125 by Frank Gore) and winning the turnover battle 3-1. That’s how each of these teams are built to win, but only Coach Harbaugh’s Niners put it on display this week. At 4-1, the Niners are in the driver’s seat in the NFC west and has in-conference wins over both Philly and Tampa, who now have to chase them for any wild card contention.

BUFFALO BILLS 31, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 24: Michael Vick played a dominant game, but could buy neither a break nor decent protection as the Eagles fell into “let’s not turn this into the 2010 Cowboys, please” territory. Eagle fans like our man Sen Dog were no doubt employing numerous household items as projectiles early and often, as Vick passes found new and creative ways to locate Buffalo defenders. The Philly QB threw for 315 yards and rushed for another 90, but it wasn’t good enough as the suddenly game-for-anyone Bills rebounded from last week’s tough loss in Cincinnati. And Sen’s criticism of his Iggles as the least physical team in the NFL isn’t exactly ringing hollow. Fred Jackson put up almost 200 combined rushing and receiving yards. It’s about time we stop calling Jackson things like “underrated” and “under the radar” and instead refer to his as awesome. Consider that standard operating procedure around here from now on.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 30, NEW YORK JETS 21: Tom Brady keeps doing his thing, and the Patriots join the Bills at 4-1. But the most impressive part of the Patriots’ win was the final drive, as they took Rex’s ground-n-pound style to him with a heavy dose of BenJarvus Green-Ellis (136 yards and 2 TD), chewing up clock and leaving the Jets no chance to tap that miracle bottle they seem to keep on hand for just such occasions. The Jets are 2-3, but we’ve seen this before. I’ll wait and see. And I should mention: Shonn Greene really stood out in this one. He seemed to be running with greater comfort and decisiveness, translating into a number of explosive bursts up the middle. If this team is to turn it around, Greene needs to be a big part of it.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 29, DENVER BRONCOS 24: John Fox ceded to the laws of nature and pulled Kyle Orton in favor of Tim Tebow. I’m tired of defending my rather unscientific conclusion that Tebow gives them the better chance to win. I don’t care that Kyle Orton is a more polished NFL QB. From the minute they put him in last year, the offense had more energy. It just looked different, and though that may make Johns Elway and Fox uncomfortable, I credit Fox for making the switch and taking a chance. What did/does he have to lose at this point? Not much. Worst case scenario, they draft some quarterback from Stanford #1 overall. As their GM could tell you, things could be worse. Meanwhile, nice of the bolts to make it interesting. That 4-1 is not the prettiest of things, and they’d better play better if they want to hold off Oakland in the AFC West.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 28, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 24: The Colts almost got that first one as the Curtis Painter Experience took a more positive turn for once. Painter threw two more touchdowns to Pierre Garcon. The Colts had it for a minute, there. Alas, it was not to be. Matt Cassel played his best game of the season, throwing for four touchdowns (2 to Dwayne Bowe), and Jackie Battle stepped up with 119 yards rushing. The key takeaway here, though, is to remember that these two teams were playing each other, and that neither offers particularly stiff competition for most other NFL squads on a weekly basis. Too many huge injuries for both.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS 34, ARIZONA CARDINALS 10: Alright, Leslie Frazier. I see you! You are hereby re-hired on a one-week trial basis after Adrian Peterson gets 29 carries, rushing for 122 yards and three first-quarter touchdowns to lead the Vikings in an early knockout of the apparently punchless Cardinals. You know, it’s amazing: you give All Day the ball all day, and good things just happen.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 38, TENNESSEE TITANS 17: You didn’t really think the Steelers were going to let a one-dimensional, under-talented Titans squad come in and set fire to their whole season, did you? The Pittsburgh Steelers just know how to win, and don’t you forget it.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 36, NEW YORK GIANTS 25: Just before he was lost to a shoulder injury in the third quarter and replaced by Charlie Whitehurst, I was all set to write a “shame on all of you Tavaris-bashers” post. Then Whitehurst went out and things pretty much continued. Marshawn Lynch remains an uncomfortable proposition for any would-be tackler, and Sidney Rice is makes a big difference. Someone named Doug Baldwin went off. And the Seahawks won. This was typical of those games that make it difficult to take the G-Men too seriously. You know what I mean.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 30, CAROLINA PANTHERS 27: Cam Newton remains entirely impressive, from the strong arm to the pocket poise to the threat he poses in the run game. He seems totally non-plussed, almost as though he was born to do this. Newton and the Panthers presented yet another tough afternoon, this time for the division-foe Saints. It wasn’t enough to beat Drew Brees (359 yards, 2 TDs), Jimmy Graham (8 rec/129 yards) and the Saints, who are built to last every week and all season long. Brees led an 80-yard drive, going 8/9 and hitting Pierre Thomas in the flat for the winner, answering Newton’s touchdown to Greg Olsen with a little over 12 minutes to play. The Saints should be happy with a tough road win within their own division. Nobody is walking out of Charlotte with an easy W in 2011.

CINCINNATI BENGALS 30, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 20: You know how I know Andrew Dalton is going to make it in the NFL? He throws it to AJ Green a lot. Sometimes, the test is just that simple. Great quarterbacks know that even when a play isn’t there, playmakers need to be given an opportunity to make them. It’s the beauty of the position- in a position of complete control, the optimization of your game demands- at the moments of highest pressure- that you relinquish it and trust your teammates. There is no way to control it all, because the best laid plans of offensive coordinators and quarterbacks will at times become the signing bonuses of defensive coordinators and pass rushers. Green caught 5 balls for 90 yards and a touchdown, and so far is doing nothing to dispel the “next Megatron” noise people were putting on him during the draft silly season. Green is super smooth. In retrospect, I think Denver should have taken him number 2. (That one’s for my brother, the Broncos fan.) As for the Jags, I think they could learn a lot by looking up the coast to Carolina. Let your rookie big man get out there and sling it. He’s got great safety valves in dual Bruins Marcedes Lewis and MJD, both of whom are very good in pass protection and the receiving game. Mike Thomas can stretch the field. You still need that impact guy, but imagine how nice it would be for Blaine Gabbert to understand how he fits in when you get him in April. What’s the worst that can happen?

Burns and Sen Dog are back to talk NFL, and you can imagine how salty the Dog is this week after yet another Iggles debacle. Burns is excited about his 2-1 Browns, but more for the future. Not yet delusional on the Cleveland front. Everything from week 3 is covered, the games from week 4 are broken down and picked, and you get the usual Sickness Style. You know you want some. Right about…now-ish. What say you go GET YOUR HELMET ON!!!

BUFFALO BILLS 34, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 31: Like I was saying: don’t sleep on the Bills. Pretty please. Any further questions? Yes, you in the back? (Exasperated sigh.) Alright. One more time. No, this isn’t a fluke. Yes, the Bills are good now. Yes, we’re all somewhat surprised it’s happening like this. No, it’s not totally out of the blue. Chan Gailey has always been around prolific offenses, and it’s no accident. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson and Stevie Johnson all showed us signs of this last year. Add a couple of strong draft picks, luck into some free agent production and get a fortuitous bounce or two? Voila! You’re 3-0 and the darlings of the AFC. Now is when it gets interesting. As for the Patriots? They’ll be back. My question on them, though: are they giving up so much yardage as acceptable collateral damage from the decision that Tom Brady and the offense are their best chance to win most weeks? Because if it’s the other thing, I have a few more questions.

The Bills celebrate the big win over the Pats.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 27, CHICAGO BEARS 17: This game showed me a couple of things. One, I take it all back. The Bears are exactly who I thought they were. I can’t believe I let myself be fooled by the season-opening win against the Falcons (who evidently have problems of their own). Two, Jermichael Finley is a huge distinction between the Packers and everyone else. Still, Chicago: Feel free to at least try to cover him. The Packers are 3-0 and on their way once again. The Bears are reeling, and if they’re not, they absolutely should be. I’ll just keep beating the drum here: you must protect your quarterback much better than that to have any hope of winning what matters. I’ll wait.

CLEVELAND BROWNS 17, MIAMI DOLPHINS 16: The Dolphins dominated time of possession 37:51 to 22:09, but it was the last 3:23 that proved the difference. Colt McCoy led an exciting 80-yard drive that erased his own rough performance and any hopes the Dolphins had of kidding themselves into believing they were a playoff contender. McCoy missed some big throws and made some ill-advised ones, but appeared calm and collected down the stretch, dropping an absolute dime to Mohammed Massaquoi to win it. The Browns’ D kicked in with another five sacks (they’re now 2nd in the NFL. I know!) I don’t know whether Chad Henne is that bad, but I do think he and Brandon Marshall don’t see the field the same way. It’s interfering with the offense because you absolutely have to try to get the ball to Marshall, and Henne seems unable to do so with any consistency. Either that, or there is a pattern building with former Browns and new Dolphins offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Not sure yet. All in good time.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 13, CINCINNATI BENGALS 8: Evidently it was not Jim Harbaugh’s plan to Suck for Luck. Let’s not forget the Niners play in the division that just saw Sickness division favorite Arizona lose at Seattle 13-10, so a 2-1 start is equal parts good fortune and fool’s gold. I don’t think the Bengals are this bad, but they’re doing a lousy job proving it. Aside: I kind of hope Mike Brown doesn’t get a chance to ruin Andrew Luck.

TENNESSEE TITANS 17, DENVER BRONCOS 14: Tennessee is showing a stronger defense than I anticipated, and Matt Hasselbeck (300 yards for the second straight game) is showing that he can still play and has the fire to do so. Unfortunately for the Titans, they were gut-punched by the injury gnome, who took the hatchet to budding superstar wide receiver Kenny Britt’s ACL. Expect more of Jared Cook, but that’s a not an easily-absorbed loss. Still, they can be buoyed by the fact that they have not yet unleashed Chris Johnson. Let’s hope he regains his freakiness, because he looks hesitant to me so far this season. Meanwhile, the issue in Denver remains what it is. We’re sure Tebow can’t go 24/39 for 173 and 2 TD’s, right? (I’m kidding. I think.)

SAINTS 40, TEXANS 33: Yep, that sounds about right. I think it’s safe to say that the Houston Texans can put that coffee down now (coffee is for closers, after all). Big win for the Saints at home in a barnburner that played out pretty much like we called it last week.

DETROIT LIONS 26, MINNESOTA VIKINGS 23: Those following along know I fired Leslie Frazier via Twitter before the game was over. And I’m serious. Some things are just as obvious as this to me: You do not give the ball to Toby Gerhart on a critical, game-clinching 4th and 1. You give it to Adrian Peterson. Furthermore, Adrian Peterson does not carry the ball a mere 17 times in any game you lead, at any time, by a score of 20-0. He carries it 27, at the absolute least. Were I Zygi Wilf (alas, Vikings fans, I am not), I would have proceeded to the field of play immediately, demanded Mr. Frazier’s headset and keys, and had the Viking ride him out of that dome on his Harley. That simply cannot happen at the NFL level, and the Minnesota media was rightly all over it. Frazier was appropriately contrite, but come on, man. That’s three games in a row you’ve lost a double-digit lead. You have the most devastating runner in the game. Make them beat him. Detroit? Still ballin’. All systems go. Plenty of room for growth, but 3-0 has to feel awfully good in the Motor City.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 16, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 10: Parts of this game were played in monsoon-like conditions, the Jags’ lone touchdown came on a clever but desperate heave from midfield, and Cam Newton gets his first win as a starter. That’s all I have to say about that.

NEW YORK GIANTS 29, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 16: …And so the hype train found itself derailed. Questions and criticisms abound this week in Philly, starting with: “What will be done to protect the quarterback?” Michael Vick took shot after shot again, and though his post-game criticisms sounded like they were about the officiating, I think our man Sen Sogah is right when he says they might just as well have been directed at the Eagles’ coaches. It wasn’t working on the other side of the ball either, as new toy Nnamdi Asomugha was beaten by Victor Cruz for a score. And this just in: if they’re isolating Brandon Jacobs on a sideline route against you, you’re the problem, Casey Matthews. Kudos to the Giants for identifying and exploiting the issues. Also, I’m again impressed with how Perry Fewell manages to create chaos and havoc for the opposing offense no matter what personnel he’s got. That dude can coach.

Darren McFadden and the Raiders disregarded the Jets in Oakland.

OAKLAND RAIDERS 34, NEW YORK JETS 24: Darren F. McFadden! 19 carries for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns reeks of explosiveness, in a good way. McFadden made short work of the noisily talented Jets defense, which couldn’t keep up with the Silver and Black all day. This version of the Raiders is talented all over the field, going six deep at receiver with young, speedy talent and mixing in just enough Michael Bush and Taiwan Jones to keep you honest. Don’t look now, but Jason Campbell is not embarrassing himself. They also have one of the nastier defensive fronts in football, with Richard Seymour still leading the way. Meanwhile, the Jets look nothing like what Rex professes to want his team to look. They can’t ground and pound it with Shonn Greene, and they’re throwing it far more than running it as a result. Mark Sanchez isn’t quite ready for that role, yet, but he’s being forced into it, and behind a patchwork offensive line that is now missing Nick Mangold. And on defense, they’re not as nasty. They’ve got some issues, but let’s also remember that the Jets finish strong. I suspect they’ll be fine.

BALTIMORE RAVENS 37, ST. LOUIS RAMS 7: We’ll be breaking out the DONE stamp for the Rams this week. The secondary is a disaster, and they clearly aren’t all on the same page in Josh McDaniels’ offense yet. What’s worse, there’s rumor-mongering afoot, with tales of dissent between GM Billy Devaney and Coach Spags. Bad things, man. The Ravens looked like the team that pasted the Steelers opening week. Torrey Smith showed off the crazy speed and caught three touchdowns for a big breakout performance. Pretty sure they didn’t need to make that Lee Evans trade. But why in the world were all the starters still in and why were the Ravens throwing deep up 30? Whatever the point was, I’m not sure it was worth it.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 20, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 17: Say whatever you want about the Chargers, but remember: this is the kind of game they usually lose at this time of year, so perhaps this constitutes progress. Those in San Diego questioning Philip Rivers should have their heads examined. No, he hasn’t played lights out ball, but he’ll be fine. Rough patches happen, and they’re 2-1. Relax. And hey, since the Chiefs decided to break their perfect non-attendance streak for 2011 by actually showing up for this division matchup, a trouncing wasn’t in the cards. That’s the best I got, Chiefs fans. It’s going to be a long year.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 13, ARIZONA CARDINALS 10: Such is the quality of football in the NFC West that the entire division scored only nine points more than the Buffalo Bills this weekend. And only three more than the New Orleans Saints. And it was not a bye week for any of them.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 16, ATLANTA FALCONS 13: Of all the teams that have surprised me thus far, none has done so in a more disappointing fashion that the Atlanta Falcons. I was so excited to watch what should be a highly explosive offense compete with the likes of New Orleans and Philadelphia for the title of “scariest NFC offensive unit,” but right now the Falcons are scary for all the wrong reasons. Granted, they’ve had a tough opening schedule travelling to the Bears and Bucs and hosting the Eagles. But it looks like the expectations or the new plan have caused them to somewhat forget who they are at heart. A team must always reflect it’s coach’s personality. The yin and yang must be in sync. Under Mike Smith, the Falcons have been a physical, pound-it-right-at-you offense led by Michael Turner’s dominant rushing and Roddy White’s unstoppable possession receiving. But the run game hasn’t been quite what we’re used to, and the pass game looks discombobulated. I wonder if they’ve hit a bit of an identity crisis as they try to absorb all the new talent and get it running together. I still think they’ll be just fine, but they’d better get their quickly because it’s a tough division they’re playing in. A point that was no doubt hammered home by a loss to the Bucs, who despite showcasing a number of flaws are now 2-1 and doing it again. Raheem Morris knows how to get the most out of his guys, and Josh Freeman is cool in the big moments. You can’t go in there lightly or you’ll learn what the Falcons just did: the Bucs will find a way.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 23, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 20: The Steelers definitely have issues up front on offense, as Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney harassed Big Ben all night. Even scarier for Pittsburgh, they were unable to line up and play old school Steelers football against a Colts defense that is well known for being unable to stop the run. If you can’t run the ball, and you can’t protect your quarterback, well…you’re in Barney. But, of course, they’re the Steelers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers just know how to win. And so they did. Winning, meanwhile, is something the Colts may struggle to do even once this season. Evidently, without Peyton Manning the whole thing just goes completely to crap. They’re built to build leads on his brain and arm and protect it with the pass defense. They won’t build any leads with Kerry Collisn or Curtis Painter, or Brody Croyle or anyone else they bring in to work out. This is going to get ugly. Frankly, I’m just excited to see whether they’re willing to pass on Andrew Luck. (Hint: They shouldn’t be.)